PAARL – A record 287-run third wicket partnership between Stephen Cook and Rassie van der Dussen ensured the Highveld Lions enjoyed a fruitful day three of their Sunfoil Series encounter against the Cape Cobras in Paarl on Saturday.
Both men hit centuries for the visitors at Boland Park as their side reached stumps on 465/4 in reply to 574 for eight declared made by the hosts the previous day.
It meant the Lions were still trailing by 109 runs, but were now in a position where they were unlikely to lose – a good result considering their recent struggles.
Cook and Van der Dussen led the way with their marathon stand which surpassed the previous highest mark of 278 for the third wicket established by the captain himself and Neil McKenzie against the Warriors in 2013/14.
The veteran opener eventually fell for a top-score of 194 (330 balls, 16 fours), while his partner made a franchise best 163 (275 balls, 19 fours).
They were the only two wickets to fall on the day, with Nicky van den Bergh (48) and Wiaan Mulder (26) then sharing an unbroken 48-run stand to take the Lions to the close.